When Sugu was arrested on 2 July, he spoke to me through the phone. He said, "I am Ok, please make sure someone will take my mother to the hospital".
His mind was occupied with the health of his mother which has become quite critical in the last month. I then next saw Sugu when he came for the Protes case on fuel hike where we were arrested together. He was brought in to the court in handcuffs. He and Saras received a tremendous applause when the worked into the court. Sugu still wearing his Udahlah T-shirt climbed the Chair in the court and shouted long live the People and Udahlah Bersaralah BN. I thought that was brave for someone who has been detained without trial.
Knowing Sugu over the years, he has been truly a handworking comrade. Always loyal to the struggle and the cause. Always believes in people’s power. In the last few years, he has also taken more efforts in reading as well as writing articles. This is praiseworthy since he only studied till form three but that did not deter him. In the court he told me that the police asked him what is socialism and he replied that it is doing grassroots work and helping the poor.
Another thing, his entire children as well are very active in party activities and grassroot work. Sugu sees this as very important and always encourages his children to be fully involved. Today, when he is under detention, his family has been out there in full force fighting for his release.
Sugu has taken the leadership role in many aspect as being the liaison member of PSM Perak, coordinator for May Day program and often the negotiator with police when a demonstration takes place in Perak. This detention on him and the rest is wrong and everyone knows it. I am sure Sugu will come out of all this stronger and more determined. Hang on Comrade as we fight for the release !
Arutchelvan
Secretary-General
Parti Sosialis Malaysia